By going against the grain, basic cable channel AMC has transformed itself from a storehouse of movie re-runs to a hit network that consistently produces good TV.

Its top three TV shows—“Mad Men,” “Breaking Bad,” and “The Walking Dead”—are gaining increasing numbers of viewers and regularly receive critical praise.

AMC’s key to success for its original programming has been its pursuit of quality over mass appeal, a goal made possible by the fact that as a cable channel, AMC is not as dependent on the large audiences that network TV requires.

“You don’t see those kinds of shows on (networks like) Fox and NBC,” said senior mass communication major Scott Malinoff, a fan of “Breaking Bad” and the AMC Western show “Hell on Wheels.”

One feature all AMC’s shows share is depth of storytelling. Upon its debut in 2007, “Mad Men” was unlike other TV shows in that its storylines moved at a slow pace to focus on the dialogue and characters. Quiet, drawn-out moments form the essence of the show.

“I like how ‘Mad Men’ is nuanced—not bombastic. They take their time with storytelling,” said Jenny Stark, coordinator of the film department.

“The Walking Dead” shares the slow-burn quality with a silence that permeates the post-apocalyptic show, building an uneasy tension in each episode as a band of survivors tries to evade zombies.

“The storylines (on AMC shows) are complex, and bring surprises and twists. They leave you hanging and wanting more. They must have a good group of writers,” said biology senior Evan Hanson, who watches “The Walking Dead” and “Hell on Wheels.”

AMC also aims for strength of concept in its shows. “Mad Men” is about the goings-on at an advertising firm in 1960s New York City. But with its focus on the mysterious protagonist Don Draper and his many secrets, the show shrewdly illustrates the conflict between appearances and reality. Although set in the ‘60s, the show’s history is ambiguous enough so as to make the drama relatable for audiences of today.

“I think it’s funny seeing (how people behaved in that time) and comparing it to society now,” said mass communication senior Katrina Lorenzen.

“Breaking Bad” began on a quirky premise about a nebbish high school teacher, Walter White, who begins to sell crystal meth when he learns he has cancer. Through strong writing and characterization the show has since evolved to a high-octane thriller as Walter descends deeper into the criminal world.

High-quality cinematography and production are also hallmarks of AMC shows. “Breaking Bad” and “The Walking Dead” feature visual qualities and effects that make them fit for a movie screen.

Complex storytelling and solid acting has generated profuse critical accolades. On the 64th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards this Sunday, “Breaking Bad” is up for 13 nominations, with lead actor Bryan Cranston going for his fourth consecutive win as Outstanding Actor. “Mad Men” has the honor of being the only cable series in TV history to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series four years straight.

Critical acclaim and word of mouth has helped to spread popularity. The Aug. 26 episode of “Breaking Bad” gave the series its highest ratings to date with 2.98 million viewers.

The season two finale of “The Walking Dead” drew in a whopping 9 million viewers last March, breaking ratings records.

“Mad Men” was able to garner an increase of 3.5 million viewers for its fifth season premiere in March despite a yearlong absence due to contract negotiations between AMC and showrunner Matthew Weiner.

AMC’s success has continued to raise the expectations of audiences to require substance, as well as style, and has shown that going against the formula can turn out to be the winning formula.

 

Christine can be reached at: [email protected]